Holton Ave. Home Renovation and Sale Celebration
2025-08-18 10:30 - 11:30 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | 5302 Holton Ave., Fort Wayne, IN 46806, 5302 Holton Ave., Fort Wayne, IN, 46806, United States
Bridge of Grace Ministries will host a celebration and key presentation for the nonprofit’s latest home renovation on Monday, August 18, 2025. This significant event will highlight the collaboration between new homeowner, volunteers, community, and Bridge of Grace.

Media, guests, and the public are invited to join Bridge of Grace at the home, located at 5302 Holton Ave., Fort Wayne, Indiana, 46806. The ceremony will begin at 10:30am. Keys to the newly renovated home will be presented to the new homeowner and a blessing will be offered. Currently in a fundraising season, Bridge of Grace will announce plans to provide 150 new homes over the next 10 years in the Mount Vernon Park and Pettit-Rudisill neighborhoods.

“Affordable housing has become a crisis in our community and country,“ said Javier Mondragon, Bridge of Grace Founder and CEO. “We work to turn neglected houses in southeast Fort Wayne into affordable homes for the families we serve. We strive to move residents toward home ownership.”

Since 2016, Bridge of Grace has renovated 36 deteriorating homes. Currently, the nonprofit has five homes under construction. By mitigating blighted houses, properties, and vacant lots, we have worked to enhance the quality of life for the Mount Vernon Park neighborhood residents. To further support Mount Vernon Park and southeast Fort Wayne, Bridge of Grace wants to increase access to affordable housing and economic stability.

Bridge of Grace Ministries is a Christian community development organization created to transform lives. Through our mission of empowering people to build on their God-given strengths and live life with purpose, we endeavor to break the cycle of poverty and build thriving and sustainable neighborhoods alongside engaged and indigenous community leaders. We aim to provide HOPE to southeast Fort Wayne residents through Housing, Opportunity, Progress, and Education.

A Roundtable Discussion with Yard & Co: Economic Development
2025-09-26 07:00 - 08:00 | Bridge of Grace, 5100 Gaywood Drive, Fort Wayne, IN, 46806, United States
Local business owners, surrounding churches, and nonprofits are invited to join Bridge of Grace as we welcome Yard & Co. for a roundtable discussion on southeast Fort Wayne economic development!
Since 2021, the Mount Vernon Park Neighborhood in southeast Fort Wayne has experienced an extraordinary season of growth and investment:

2021 – Our neighborhood elementary school, Levan Scott Academy, broke ground on a new facility addition
2023 – Groundbreaking of the new Bridge of Grace Ministries facility
2025 – Renewal of Brewer Park
2025 – Completion of Fairfax Avenue

Together, these initiatives represent nearly $40 million of investment within just four blocks of our community — a remarkable transformation.
Yet, this is only the beginning. Bridge of Grace Ministries has committed to providing 150 new homes and expanding homeownership opportunities over the next decade. The most important work ahead, however, is laying the foundation for sustainable economic development.
To guide this next phase, Bridge of Grace has partnered with Yard & Company, a nationally recognized consulting firm specializing in neighborhood planning. Their expertise will help us develop an inclusive and forward-looking economic development strategy. However, before this process begins in earnest, we believe it is essential to listen first to the voices of those who care deeply about the future of Southeast Fort Wayne.
Event Details:
Community Conversation
Friday, September 26, 2025
7am – 8am
Bridge of Grace Neighborhood Center Gym (located in the original Bridge of Grace building, Door 3A)
5100 Gaywood Drive, Fort Wayne, IN 46806
Coffee and donuts will be provided.
This gathering will provide an opportunity to share your insights, ideas, and aspirations as we collectively envision the future of economic growth in Mount Vernon Park and Southeast Fort Wayne.
We kindly ask that you RSVP by calling Javier: 260-515-0972
Business owners, churches, and nonprofits may also stop by the Bridge of Grace gym on Thursday, September 25, between 2pm-6pm, to share ideas!

Bridge the Gap 2025: A Night to Connect
2025-10-09 18:00 - 20:30 | Parkview Mirro Center, 10622 Parkview Plaza Dr, Fort Wayne, IN, 46845, United States
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Bridge the Gap 2025 registration is sold out. Please contact Kristin with inquiries: kristin@bgministries.org.
EVENT DETAILS:
Bridge of Grace is excited to host Bridge the Gap on October 9, 2025! Our tenth annual fall fundraiser event will feature entertainment, a southeast Fort Wayne inspired culinary experience, and our Catalyst of HOPE and Lillian Nelson Community Impact Award announcements.
Bridge the Gap 2025 is presented by Ruoff Mortgage and hosted by First Merchants Bank.
Our desire is that Bridge the Gap serves as a connector for Fort Wayne neighbors with the southeast Fort Wayne community. As Bridge of Grace is focused on initiatives to promote housing, opportunity, progress, and education for the Mount Vernon Park neighborhood, we hope you can join us for the celebration and call to action.
Venue: Bridge the Gap will be held at Parkview Mirro Center in the Grand Hall. Parkview Mirro Center is located on the Parkview Regional Medical Center campus, 10622 Parkview Plaza Drive, Fort Wayne, IN, 46845.
Parking: The Mirro Center offers complimentary and convenient parking for all guests.
Attire: Historically, our guests have worn business attire to semi-formal wear.
Culinary Experience: We love all of the flavors southeast Fort Wayne offers! At the Bridge the Gap, we share those flavors with you thanks to the genius Parkview Mirro Center culinary team. Our buffet will feature three stations: Hispanic, Asian, and Soul Food inspired dishes. We are intentional in offering gluten free and vegetarian friendly options.
Schedule of Events: Doors open at 6:00pm. Dinner will begin at 6:30pm. Our program will begin at 7:15pm.
Check-In: As you enter the Parkview Mirro Center doors, you will be greeted by a Bridge of Grace team member and shown to the check-in tables. You will find your name tag, alphabetized by your last name.
Thank you to our sponsors:
Ruoff Mortgage | First Merchants Bank | Brotherhood Mutual | Weigand | Andy & Amy Binkley | MidWest America Federal Credit Union | Jeff & Kelly Ostermann | Lake City Bank | PNC Bank | Star Bank | Steel Dynamics | Summit Financial | Partners 1st Credit Union | Old National | Sweetwater | Strahm Building Solutions | Possibilities Northeast | Fort Wayne Metals

Rake & Bake
2025-11-01 09:30 - 11:30 | Bridge of Grace, 5100 Gaywood Drive, Fort Wayne, IN, 46806, United States
Rake & Bake: Mount Vernon Park and Pettit-Rudisill Neighborhoods
Helping residents rake leaves. | Creating opportunity for neighbors to help neighbors. | Building community.
On Saturday November 1 (the Saturday prior to the first City Leaf Pick-up for southeast Fort Wayne) we will rake leaves to the curbs of neighbors already designated for participation, followed by a time of fellowship over baked goods!
Details:

Designated streets in MVP and PRN will be identified for this event.

Neighbors and Volunteers will canvas the streets between October 12 – 24 asking:

If individuals need help raking leaves.
If they would be available and want to help with raking.
If they want to provide baked good for the community gathering.

Teams of neighbors and volunteers will be organized and a request to bring rakes and leaf blowers will be extended.

We will work with Neighborlink to see if any additional homes could be helped and to also request to borrow extra gloves and rakes.

Day of Rake and Bake:
9:00am – Set-up team arrives at Bridge of Grace parking lot (5100 Gaywood Drive, Fort Wayne, IN 46806)
9:30am – Volunteers gather at location for assignments, prayer etc.
9:45am – 11:00am – Teams rake and blow leaves.
11:05am – All gather back at location for refreshments and baked goods.

Our Needs:
People – to help canvas area some time between October 12-24
People – to help rake on Saturday, November 1st
People – to help with organization of details that day
Supplies – rakes, gloves, leaf blowers
Please RSVP to Becky Baker: becky@bgministries.org | 260-580-1009

Holiday Give Back 2025
2025-12-17 18:00 - 20:00 | Bridge of Grace, 5100 Gaywood Drive, Fort Wayne, IN, 46806, United States
Join us for a family friendly event featuring a free dinner and the opportunity to make simple blankets for Fort Wayne’s homeless this holiday season. A great time to volunteer with your friends, church, coworkers, or family!
DECEMBER 17, 2025 | 6pm-8pm
Bridge of Grace – Gym | Door 3A | 5100 Gaywood Dr. | Fort Wayne IN 46806
We will also be collecting:

Winter Hats
Winter Gloves
Winter Scarves
New Socks

Donate to be entered into a drawing for prizes!
Please RSVP to Becky Baker by December 12: becky@bgministries.org | 260-744-4446 ext 116

Conversations Over Coffee Session 2
2026-02-12 07:30 - 09:00 | Bridge of Grace – Building B, 909 Elmrow Dr, Fort Wayne, IN, 46802, United States
Join Bridge of Grace for our six-session series, Conversations Over Coffee!
Our goal is to promote learning and understanding to positively influence the service and revitalization of southeast Fort Wayne and beyond. We invite you to join the conversation.
Our thought-provoking series starts is taught by Javier Mondragon. We will meet the second Thursday of each month through June. Don’t worry if you can’t attend every session; each meeting helps build your knowledge, but missing one won’t set you back in your learning journey.
Each month, doors open and coffee will be ready at 7:30 am. The conversation will start at 8 am.
Enter through Door 2B on the north side of our new building. Parking is available in our lot located off of Fairfax Ave (east of our new building).
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!
Six-Session Training
January 8 -The Framework for Understanding Poverty
February 12 -Understanding Chronic vs. Crisis and Betterment vs. Development
March 12 -Best Practices in Responding to Poverty
April 9 -Wealth Creators and the Wealth Processors
May 14 -Asset-Based Community Development Approach
June 11 –Call to Action – Next Steps

Circles Interest Meeting
2026-03-18 18:30 - 20:00 | Bridge of Grace – Building B, 909 Elmrow Dr, Fort Wayne, IN, 46802, United States
Circles of Allen County is a program aiming to boost upward mobility for individuals in poverty. It follows the Circles USA model, fostering relationships across socioecomnic lines to support economic mobility and self-sufficiency.
Bridge of Grace is teaming up with Circles Allen County to help break barriers that keep people in poverty.
Join us for an interest meeting as we rally Circle Allies who will volunteer and be available for Circle Leaders/Participants for questions, suggestions, and provide support and friendship.
For more information, please contact Becky Baker: becky@bgministries.org

Conversations Over Coffee Session 4
2026-05-14 07:30 - 09:00 | Bridge of Grace – Building B, 909 Elmrow Dr, Fort Wayne, IN, 46802, United States
Join Bridge of Grace for our six-session series, Conversations Over Coffee!
Our goal is to promote learning and understanding to positively influence the service and revitalization of southeast Fort Wayne and beyond. We invite you to join the conversation.
We will meet the second Thursday of each month through June. Don’t worry if you can’t attend every session; each meeting helps build your knowledge, but missing one won’t set you back in your learning journey.
Each month, doors open and coffee will be ready at 7:30 am. The conversation will start at 8 am.
Enter through Door 2B on the north side of our new building. Parking is available in our lot located off of Fairfax Ave (east of our new building).
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!
Six-Session Training
January 8 -The Framework for Understanding Poverty
February 12 -Understanding Chronic vs. Crisis and Betterment vs. Development
March 12 -Best Practices in Responding to Poverty
April 16 -Wealth Creators and the Wealth Processors
May 14 -Asset-Based Community Development Approach
June 11 –Call to Action – Next Steps

Under the Sea - Summer Camp 2026
2026-06-09 08:00 - 2026-07-16 15:00 | Bridge of Grace, 5100 Gaywood Drive, Fort Wayne, IN, 46806, United States
Bridge of Grace presents 2026 summer camp for elementary students (current kindergarten through current 4th grade)!
Under the Sea – Summer Camp 2026 – Anchored by Faith
Register your child today by clicking here!

June 9 – July 16
Tuesdays – Fridays
8:00 – 3:00 (breakfast served 8:00-8:30)
Location: Bridge of Grace Neighorhood Center 5100 Gaywood Drive
Cost: $35 per child

DISCLAIMER – Please read before paying registration fee.
By enrolling your child in Summer Clubhouse, you agree to:

Ensure your child(ren) are present for all summer camp program days, June 9-July 16, from 8:30-3:00 (with breakfast available from 8:00-8:30). *no camp on Mondays or July 3
Drop off your child(ren) between 8:00-8:30. Camp begins promptly at 8:30, and we want all children present to begin a fun and engaging day.
pick-up your child(ren) promptly at 3:00.

Bridge the Gap 2026: A Night to Connect
2026-10-08 18:00 - 20:30 | Parkview Mirro Center, 10622 Parkview Plaza Dr, Fort Wayne, IN, 46845, United States
SAVE THE DATE:
Bridge the Gap 2026 is set for Thursday, October 8, 2026!
View the Bridge the Gap 2025 Photo Gallery here!
EVENT DETAILS:
Our eleventh annual fall fundraiser event will feature entertainment, a southeast Fort Wayne inspired culinary experience, and our Catalyst of HOPE and Lillian Nelson Community Impact Award announcements.
Venue: Bridge the Gap will be held at Parkview Mirro Center in the Grand Hall. Parkview Mirro Center is located on the Parkview Regional Medical Center campus, 10622 Parkview Plaza Drive, Fort Wayne, IN, 46845.
If you are interested in sponsoring Bridge the Gap 2026, please contact Javier: jmondragon@bgministries.org
